Elliptical exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An elliptical exercise apparatus includes a main device, a guider frame rotatably connected to the main device via an axis, the guider frame being rotatable relative to the ground and the main device, two crank units respectively rotatably connected to a right side and a left side of the main device, two supporting sets both interconnected between the two crank units and the guider frame, two swing links respectively pivotally connected to two sides of the main device, and two control links both interconnected between the two supporting sets and the two swing links. Under this arrangement, when the elliptical exercise apparatus is folded, one supporting set abuts against the guider frame and one corresponding control link simultaneously, so that when the user moves the elliptical exercise apparatus which is folded, the structure of the elliptical exercise apparatus prevents unwanted motion of the cranks and the supporting sets.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims priority to Taiwan Application Serial Number 102126056, filed Jul. 19, 2013.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a stationary exercise apparatus and, more particularly to an elliptical exercise apparatus which is foldable.

2. Description of the Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 7,946,962 discloses that an elliptical exercise apparatus is foldable and unfoldable. The elliptical exercise apparatus comprises a main device, a guider frame, two crank units, two supporting sets, two swing links and two control links. When the elliptical exercise apparatus is unfolded, the guider frame is parallel to the ground. In contrast, when the elliptical exercise apparatus is folded, the guider frame is generally perpendicular to the ground. Therefore, many components of the elliptical exercise apparatus are in a substantially vertical position, and the elliptical exercise apparatus in this folded orientation has a smaller footprint compared to an unfolded orientation. However, although the elliptical exercise apparatus is folded, the two crank units are still unexpectedly rotatable in a limited range and the two supporting sets, the two swing links and the two control links are still unexpectedly movable in the limited range via the rotatability of the two crank units (as shown in FIGS. 12 and 15 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,946,962). In this way, when a user moves the elliptical exercise apparatus which is folded, this unexpected motion and rotation would be undesirable for the user.

The elliptical exercise apparatus disclosed in German Pat. No. 202007011405 tries to overcome this issue. The elliptical exercise apparatus has a mechanism for locking two crank units while the elliptical exercise apparatus is in the unfolded, usable state. As taught in the German patent application, the user inserts a screw bolt into a screw hole at one crank unit for locking the two crank units. However, the foregoing technique is not automatic, and requires an extra step for fastening the locking mechanism to lock the two crank units, making the operation very inconvenient.

The elliptical exercise apparatus disclosed in US. Pat. Publication No. 20130310225 is another attempt to overcome the above issue. The elliptical exercise apparatus has a locking device. The locking device is configured to automatically engage the lock between the large pulley and the main device as the guider frame is pivotally rotated from the use position to the storage position. When the large pulley is locked so as to prevent it from rotating relative to the main device, the large pulley, the crank units, the supporting members and the pedals are prevented from engaging in any uncontrolled or unintended motion. The locking device is also configured to automatically disengage the lock between the large pulley and the main device as the guider frame is pivotally rotated from the storage position back to the use position. When the large pulley is unlocked so as to allow it to freely rotate relative to the main device, the supporting members and the pedals are permitted to move in relationship to the guider frame. In this way, the foregoing technique is automatic, and does not require an extra step for fastening or unfastening the locking device to engage or disengage the lock between the large pulley and the main device, so that the operation is very convenient. However, this elliptical exercise apparatus requires an additional locking device, adding additional cost to the manufacture of the elliptical exercise apparatus.

The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the disadvantages of the conventional method of building an exercise apparatus. Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY

The present invention involves an elliptical exercise apparatus. Generally speaking, the elliptical exercise apparatus is to be foldable and unfoldable, wherein the user doesn't need to further lock the components after the folding operation to prevent unintended movement, and doesn't need to unlock the components prior to the unfolding operation.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the elliptical exercise apparatus includes a main device, a guider frame, two crank units, two supporting sets, two swing links and two control links. The guider frame is rotatably connected to the main device via a first pivot and is rotatable relative to the ground. When the guider frame is rotated down to the ground, the guider frame is positioned in the unfolded, usable position. When the guider frame is rotated up to the main device, the guider frame is positioned in the folded, storage position. When the guider frame is positioned at either the usable position or the storage position, the guider frame is locked so that it cannot switch positions. The guider frame has two track members respectively assembled at a right side and a left side thereof, and each track member has a front end and a rear end. The two crank units are respectively rotatably connected on a right side and a left side of the main device, and are simultaneously rotatable in a first direction or a second direction being opposite to the first direction. The two supporting sets are both interconnected between the two crank units and the guider frame. Each supporting set has a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion of each supporting set is rotatably connected to each corresponding crank unit and is rotatable along a circular path defined by the rotation of each corresponding crank unit. The second portion of each supporting set is slidably mounted on each corresponding track member. The two swing links are respectively pivotally connected on two sides of the main device. The two control links are both interconnected between the two supporting sets and the two swing links. Each control link has a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion of each control link is rotatably connected to each corresponding swing link and is swingable along an arc path defined by a swing of each corresponding swing link. The second portion of each control link is configured to support the user's corresponding foot. The third portion of each control link is pivotally connected to the third portion of each corresponding supporting set. Under this arrangement, when the guider frame is rotated into the folded, storage position, one supporting set abuts against the guider frame and defines a first abutting relation. The first abutting relation prevents the second portion of one supporting set from further sliding upward, away from the front end of one corresponding track member, and prevents the first portion of one supporting set from being rotated along the circular path in the first direction. At the same time, a second abutting relation occurs which prevents the two crank units from being rotated in the second direction. The second abutting relation is defined between two potentially abutting components selected from the group consisting of: one crank unit, one supporting set, one swing link and one control link. These two components abut against each other, and this interference is what prevents the two crank units from being rotated in the second direction.

According to another aspect of the present invention, when the guider frame is positioned in the usable position, the first and second abutting relations no longer exist, and the crank units are free to rotate. When the guider frame is not fully rotated into the storage position, one supporting set does not create the first abutting relation and the two potentially abutting components don't create the second abutting relation at the same time. When the guider frame is fully rotated into the storage position, one supporting set creates the first abutting relation and the two potentially abutting components create the second abutting relation at the same time, thereby preventing the two crank units from being rotated in either direction.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the abutting portion is made of an elastic material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a first angle is defined between the two potentially abutting components selected from the group consisting of: one crank unit, one supporting set, one swing link and one control link. When the guider frame is positioned in the usable position and the two crank units both rotate, because the potentially abutting components move in relation to one another, the first angle is enlarged and reduced repeatedly between a maximum degree and a minimum degree. When the guider frame is rotated up into the storage position, one of the two potentially abutting components abuts against another of the two potentially abutting components, so that the first angle is almost zero degree.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the second abutting relation is defined by one control link and one corresponding supporting set which abut against each other when the guider frame is rotated into the storage position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, each control link has an abutting body. Each supporting set has an abutting portion. The abutting body corresponds to the abutting portion of each corresponding supporting set. When the guider frame is positioned in the usable position, the abutting body of each control link keeps above the abutting portion of each corresponding supporting set. In contrast, when the guider frame is rotated into the storage position, the abutting body of each control link abuts against the abutting portion of each corresponding supporting set.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a distance is defined between a portion of one of the two potentially abutting components and a portion of another of the two potentially abutting components. When the guider frame is positioned in the usable position and the two crank units both rotate, because the potentially abutting components move in relation to one another, the distance is enlarged and reduced repeatedly between a maximum length and a minimum length. When the guider frame is rotated into the storage position, the portion of one potentially abutting component abuts against the portion of another potentially abutting component, so that the distance between the two portions of the two potentially abutting components is almost nonexistent.

According to another aspect of the present invention, each swing link has a handle. When the elliptical exercise apparatus is folded, the two swing links, especially the two handles thereof, are mirror images of each other.

According to another aspect of the present invention, when the guider frame is rotated into the storage position, the first abutting relation prevents the two crank units from being rotated in the first direction, and the second abutting relation prevents the two crank units from being rotated in the second direction.

There are several advantages of a basic embodiment of the present invention. The user does not need to further lock the components after the folding operation, and does not need to unlock the components before the unfolding operation, so that it is convenient for the user to fold or unfold the present invention. In addition, because the present invention does not need any lock structure for locking the components after finishing the folding operation, the manufacture of the present invention is cost-effective.

The reader is advised that this summary is not meant to be exhaustive. Further features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, accompanying drawings and appended claims.

Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment which is in an unfolded, usable state;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view for showing an inner structure of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view showing the folding structure of the main frame and the guider frame when the guider frame is in an unfolded, usable state;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing the folding structure of the main frame and the guider frame when the guider frame is in an folded, storage state;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is in an unfolded, usable state;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged rear elevation view of the preferred embodiment;

FIGS. 7-1 through 7-4 are side views showing supporting sets in various positions as would be seen during operation of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 8-1 is a side view showing the preferred embodiment during a folding operation from the usable state toward the storage state, with the supporting sets in one condition;

FIG. 8-2 is a side view showing the preferred embodiment during a folding operation from the usable state toward the storage state, with the supporting sets in another condition;

FIG. 9 is a side view showing the preferred embodiment fully in the folded, storage state;

FIGS. 10-1 through 10-3 are simple illustrations showing an appearance of issue when a first abutting relation and a second abutting relation of the preferred embodiment are both nonexistent;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the preferred embodiment fully in the folded, storage state; and

FIG. 12 is a side view showing the preferred embodiment fully in the folded, storage state.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically depicted in order to simplify the drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an elliptical exercise apparatus comprises a main device 10, a guider frame 20, two crank units 30, two supporting sets 40, two swing links 50 and two control links 60. The guider frame 20 is connected to a rear portion of the main device 10. The two crank units 30 are respectively rotatably connected to a right side and a left side of the main device 10. The two supporting sets 40 are both interconnected between the two crank units 30 and the guider frame 20. The two swing links 50 are respectively pivotally connected to the right side and the left side of the main device 10. The two control links 60 are both interconnected between the two supporting sets 40 and the two swing links 50.

Referring to FIG. 2, the main device 10 has a base 11, a frame body 12, a post 13, a console 14 and a handgrip set 15. The base 11 is configured to rest the present invention on a ground surface. The base 11 has at least one bottom pad 17. The frame body 12 is formed on a top side of the base 11. The post 13 is upwardly extended from a top portion of the frame body 12. The console 14 and the handgrip set 15 are both located at a top portion of the post 13. The frame body 12 is covered with a cover member 16 (as shown in FIG. 1).

Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the guider frame 20 has two track members 21 respectively assembled at a right side and a left side thereof. The two track members 21 are connected to each other via the guider frame 20 so that both track members 21 move together in conjunction with the movement of the guider frame 20. Each track member 21 is somewhat tube-shaped and has a front end and a rear end. A connecting arm 22 is extended upward and forward from a middle portion of the guider frame 20, forward of and between the front ends of the two track members 21. A front end of the connecting arm 22 is pivotally connected to the frame body 12 via a first pivot which defines a first transverse pivot axis A1, so that the guider frame 20 is longitudinally rotatable relative to the ground and the main device 10 around the first pivot axis A1. When the guider frame 20 is rotated downward to the ground surface, the guider frame 20 is positioned in the unfolded, usable position, and the two track members 21 are both parallel to the ground and adjacent to a rear portion of the base 11 of the main device 10 (as shown in FIG. 3); when the guider frame 20 is rotated up toward the main device 10, the guider frame 20 is rotated into the folded, storage position, and the two track members 21 are both perpendicular to the ground and above the rear portion of the base 11 of the main device 10 (as shown in FIG. 4).

A lock mechanism 70 is assembled between the guider frame 20 and the main device 10. The lock mechanism 70 is configured to prevent the guider frame 20 from unexpectedly moving relative to the main device 10 when the guider frame 20 is positioned in the usable position or the storage position. A lever 71 is assembled at a rear end of the guider frame 20 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5), wherein a cable wire (not shown) is connected between the lever 71 and the lock mechanism 70, so that a user can manipulate the lever 71 so as to unfasten the lock mechanism 70. A gas spring 80 is assembled between the guider frame 20 and the main device 10. When the guider frame 20 is upwardly rotated, the gas spring 80 assists the rotation, helping to overcome gravity; when the guider frame 20 is downwardly rotated, the gas spring 80 cushions the rotation (the detail of the lock mechanism 70 or the gas spring 80 has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,946,962, and will not be further described here).

Referring to FIG. 2, the two crank units 30 are respectively connected to two ends of a crank axle 31. The two crank units 30 are both perpendicular to the crank axle 31. The two crank units 30 are extended toward two opposite directions. The crank axle 31 is assembled on the frame body 12 of the main device 10. A second pivot axis A2 which is transverse to the frame body 12 is defined along the crank axle 31. The two crank units 30 are simultaneously rotatable in a first direction or a second direction being opposite to the first direction. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the two crank units 30 are respectively located at two external sides of the cover member 16. Each crank unit 30 is covered by a cover unit 32.

A freewheel 91 is rotatably assembled on the frame body 12 of the main device 10. A driving belt mechanism 92 connects the freewheel 91 and the crank axle 31, so that the crank axle 31 can drive the freewheel 91 via the driving belt mechanism 92 according to a predetermined speed ratio. The driving belt mechanism 92 has a first belt wheel, a second belt wheel and a belt member. The first belt wheel is coaxially connected to the freewheel 91 (not shown). The second belt wheel is coaxially connected to the crank axle 31. The belt member is mounted around the first belt wheel and the second belt wheel. A resistance device 93 is assembled at one side of the freewheel 91. The resistance device 93 is configured to resist a rotation of the freewheel 91; in addition, the magnitude of the resistance is adjustable via manipulating the console 14 (the detail of the cooperation between the freewheel 91, the resistance device 93 and the crank unit 30 is well-known and will not be further described here).

Each supporting set 40 has a front end, a rear end and a middle portion between said two ends. The front end of each supporting set 40 is rotatably connected to an outmost radial end portion of each corresponding crank unit 30. A pivot axis defined between each supporting set 40 and each corresponding crank unit 30 is transverse to the frame body 12. The front end of each supporting set 40 is rotated around the second pivot axis A2 along a circular path T1, by a rotation of each corresponding crank unit 30 (as shown in FIGS. 7-1 through 7-2). The rear end of each supporting set 40 is slidably mounted on each corresponding track member 21 of the guider frame 20. Each supporting set 40 has a roller 41 assembled at the rear end thereof. The roller 41 of each supporting set 40 is located on each corresponding track member 21 (as shown in FIGS. 5-6). The roller 41 of each supporting set 40 is rollable along each corresponding track member 21 (as shown in FIGS. 7-1 through 7-2). Each swing link 50 is illustrated as a bent rod. Each swing link 50 has a top end, a bottom end and a middle portion between said two ends. The top end of each swing link 50 is formed as a handle 51. The middle portion of each swing link 50 is pivotally connected to the post 13 of the main device 10 via a third pivot axis A3 which is transverse to the frame body 12. Each control link 60 is illustrated as a straight rod. Each control link 60 is located at an external side of each corresponding supporting set 40. Each control link 60 has a front end, a rear end and a middle portion between said two ends. The front end of each control link 60 is pivotally connected to the bottom end of each corresponding swing link 50, via a fourth pivot axis A4 which is transverse to the frame body 12. The front end of each control link 60 is swung around the third pivot axis A3 along an arc path T2, by a swing of each corresponding swing link 50 (as shown in FIG. 7-1). Each control link 60 has a pedal 61 assembled at an internal side of the rear end thereof. A top surface of the pedal 61 is configured to support the user's corresponding foot. The middle portion of each control link 60 is pivotally connected to the middle portion of each corresponding supporting set 40 via a fifth pivot axis A5 which is transverse to the frame body 12.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fifth pivot axis A5 is adjacent to a front end of the pedal 61. Consequently, when each control link 60 and each corresponding supporting set 40 are rotated back and forth relative to each other via the fifth pivot axis A5, the entire pedal 61 is moved upwardly and downwardly relative to each corresponding supporting set 40. In another embodiment of the present invention, the fifth pivot axis A5 might be defined between the front end and the rear end of the pedal (as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,946,962 or German pat. No. 202007011405); under this arrangement, when each control link and each corresponding supporting set are rotated back and forth relative to each other via the fifth pivot axis A5, the front end and the rear end of the pedal are moved in opposite directions. In another embodiment of the present invention, the fifth pivot axis A5 might be defined at the front end of the pedal. In another embodiment of the present invention, a front end of the pedal might be pivotally connected to each corresponding supporting set, and a rear end of each control link might be fixedly connected to the pedal (as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,316,633).

Referring to FIGS. 5-6, the pedal 61 of each control link 60 has an abutting body 62 assembled at a bottom thereof. Each supporting set 40 has an abutting portion 43. The abutting body 62 corresponds to the abutting portion 43 of each corresponding supporting set 40. When the preferred embodiment is operating, the abutting body 62 of each control link 60 keeps above the abutting portion 43 of each corresponding supporting set 40. An extended member 63 is welded to the bottom of the pedal 61 and extends therefrom at a predetermined distance. The abutting body 62 is fixedly connected to a bottom end of the extended member 63, so that the predetermined distance is defined between the abutting body 62 and the bottom of the pedal 61 (as shown in FIG. 7-1). The abutting body 62 is similar to the bottom pad 17 of the base 11 (as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9). In this example, the abutting body 62 is round and is made of an elastic material such as rubber. In addition, the abutting portion 43 is located between the rear end and the middle portion of each supporting set 40. A distance between the fifth pivot axis A5 and the abutting portion 43 of each supporting set 40 is equal to a distance between the fifth pivot axis A5 and the abutting body 62 of each corresponding control link 60.

Referring to FIGS. 7-1 through 7-4, when using the preferred embodiment, the user stands on the two pedals 61 of the two control links 60 with his or her feet, and holds the two handles 51 of the two swing links 50 (or the handgrip set 15 near the top portion of the main device 10) with his or her two hands. Each supporting set 40 has a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion of each supporting set 40 is rotatably connected to each corresponding crank unit 32 and is rotatable along a circular path T1 defined by the rotation of each corresponding crank unit 32. The second portion of each supporting set 40 is slidably mounted on each corresponding track member 21. The third portion of each supporting set 40 is pivotally connected to each corresponding control link 60. As the user rides on the main device 10, the first portion of each supporting set 40 is rotated around the second pivot axis A2 along the circular path T1 in the first direction (in the proffered embodiment, the first direction is counterclockwise as seen from a person viewing the left side of the main device 10). Simultaneously, the second portion of each supporting set 40 is slid on each corresponding track member 21 back and forth along a reciprocating path T3, wherein the reciprocating path T3 extends along the each corresponding track member 21 and passes through an axis defined by the centerline of the roller 41 of each corresponding supporting set 40 (as shown in FIG. 7-1). Simultaneously, the third portion of each supporting set 40 is repeatedly rotated along a closed path T4 which is somewhat oval-shaped, and as a result, the pedal 61 of each control link 60 is repeatedly rotated along a closed path (not shown) which is also somewhat oval-shaped and is similar to the closed path T4 made by the rotation of the third portion of each corresponding supporting set 40. The guider frame 20 has two abutting plates 23 both assembled at a rear portion thereof (as shown in FIG. 3). Each abutting plate 23 is close to an inner portion of a rear end of each corresponding track member 21. Each abutting plate 23 has a notch. The notch faces the front portion of the guider frame 20. The notch has a feature formed between a rear edge and a top edge thereof. The feature is defined as an abutting member 24. Each supporting set 40 has an abutting unit 42 assembled at an inner portion of the second portion thereof. The abutting unit 42 is rod-shaped and is extended from the axle of the roller 41 (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7-2). When the second portion of each supporting set 40 is slid on each corresponding track member 21 back and forth along the reciprocating path T3, the abutting unit 42 does not collide against the abutting member 24 of each corresponding abutting plate 23 when the guider frame 20 is in the usable position. In other words, each abutting plate 23 does not interfere with the motion of each corresponding supporting set 40. A distance (about equal to ten centimeters) is defined between the abutting unit 42 and the abutting member 24 of each corresponding abutting plate 23, when the second portion of each supporting set 40 is slid to the rear end of the reciprocating path T3 during the operation.

Referring to FIGS. 7-1 through 7-4, a first angle θ is defined between the second portion of each supporting set 40 and the second portion of each corresponding control link 60, so that the fifth pivot axis A5 passes through an apex of the first angle θ. When each control link 60 and each corresponding supporting set 40 are rotated back and forth relative to each other via the fifth pivot axis A5, the first angle θ is enlarged and reduced repeatedly between a maximum degree and a minimum degree. The maximum degree is about sixty degrees (as shown in FIG. 7-2). The minimum degree is about ten degrees (as shown in FIG. 7-4). Even if the first angle θ is reduced to the minimum degree, the abutting portion 43 would not collide against the abutting body 62 of each corresponding control link 60. In other words, the abutting body 62 would not interfere with the rotation of each corresponding supporting set 40. A distance (about equal to ten centimeters) is defined between the abutting body 62 and the abutting portion 43 of each corresponding supporting set 40 when the first angle θ is reduced to the minimum degree during the operation. In addition, the first angle θ with the minimum degree is defined as a minimum angle.

Referring to FIGS. 8-1 through 9 and FIG. 11, when the user wants to fold up the preferred embodiment, the user unfastens the lock mechanism 70. Thereafter, the user rotates the guider frame 20 upwardly until the guider frame 20 is rotated into the storage position, whereupon the user fastens the lock mechanism 70 to lock the guider frame 20 in the upright storage position. No matter how many degrees the first angle θ is or how long the distance between the abutting unit 42 and the abutting member 24 of each corresponding abutting plate 23 is, the user can rotate the guider frame 20 up into the storage position. If the preferred embodiment is folded up into the storage position under one condition, the folding state is illustrated as FIG. 8-1; if the preferred embodiment is folded up into the storage position under another condition, the folding state is illustrated as FIG. 8-2, wherein the folding state as FIG. 8-2 would be different from that of FIG. 8-1. However, no matter which condition the folding operation is in when the folding operation is first started, and no matter what the starting positions of each of the components are when the folding operation is first started, once the folding operation is finished, the finished state must be one of the two states as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, or one of two other states (not shown) in which the position of the left crank unit 30 is opposite to that in the state as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. The length of each track member 21 in the preferred embodiment would be shorter than that in another embodiment, so that the necessary floor space for the preferred embodiment would be less than that for another embodiment (the detail of the technical feature for said purpose has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,946,962, and will not be further described here).

Referring to FIGS. 8-1 and 9, the user rotates the guider frame 20 upward toward the main device 10 so as to fold up the preferred embodiment under one condition, wherein the rear end of one supporting set 40 is slid to the rear end of one corresponding track member 21 and the abutting unit 42 of one supporting set 40 abuts against the abutting member 24 of one corresponding abutting plate 23 of the guider frame 20 (as shown in FIG. 8-1). Prior to the abutting portion 43 of one supporting set 40 beginning to abut against the abutting body 62 of one corresponding control link 60, the first angle θ is still more than zero degree (as shown in FIG. 8-1). Thereafter, the first angle θ is gradually reduced with the rotation of the guider frame 20, until the guider frame 20 is rotated up to the main device 10 and the guider frame 20 is rotated into the storage position. Simultaneously, the abutting portion 43 of one supporting set 40 abuts against the abutting body 62 of one corresponding control link 60, so that the first angle θ is almost zero degree, and as a result, the folding operation is finished. Therefore, when the preferred embodiment is folded into the storage position, each component of the preferred embodiment would be constrained so as to prevent the unintended movement of any of these components. This is due to the fact that the abutting unit 42 of one supporting set 40 abuts against the abutting member 24 of one corresponding abutting plate 23 of the guider frame 20 and simultaneously the abutting portion 43 of one supporting set 40 abuts against the abutting body 62 of one corresponding control link 60. In this way, once the preferred embodiment is folded into the storage position, the structure of the preferred embodiment is stable and constrained to prevent unintended motion of the moveable component.

Referring to FIGS. 8-2 and 9, the user rotates the guider frame 20 upward toward the main device 10 so as to fold up the preferred embodiment under another condition, wherein one supporting set 40 and one corresponding control link 60 are rotated relative to each other, until the abutting portion 43 of one supporting set 40 abuts against the abutting body 62 of one corresponding control link 60 and the first angle θ is almost zero degree (as shown in FIG. 8-2). Prior to the abutting unit 42 of one supporting set 40 beginning to abut against the abutting member 24 of one corresponding abutting plate 23 of the guider frame 20, a distance between the rear end of one supporting set 40 and the rear end of one corresponding track member 21 still exists (as shown in FIG. 8-2). Thereafter, the distance between the rear end of one supporting set 40 and the rear end of one corresponding track member 21 is gradually reduced with the rotation of the guider frame 20, until the guider frame 20 is rotated to the main device 10 and the guider frame 20 is rotated into the storage position. After the guider frame 20 is rotated into the storage position, the abutting unit 42 of one supporting set 40 abuts against the abutting member 24 of one corresponding abutting plate 23 of the guider frame 20, so that the distance between the rear end of one supporting set 40 and the rear end of one corresponding track member 21 is nonexistent, and as a result, the folding operation is finished.

In another embodiment, the abutting unit 42 of one supporting set 40 and the abutting portion 43 of one supporting set 40 might not respectively abut against the abutting member 24 of one corresponding abutting plate 23 of the guider frame 20 and the abutting body 62 of one corresponding control link 60, until the guider frame 20 is rotated into the storage position and the folding operation is finished. In another embodiment, the abutting unit 42 of one supporting set 40 might abut against the abutting member 24 of one corresponding abutting plate 23 of the guider frame 20 and then be away from that, during the folding operation. In another embodiment, the abutting portion 43 of one supporting set 40 might abut against the abutting body 62 of one corresponding control link 60 and then be away from that, during the folding operation. No matter which one embodiment is practiced, when the guider frame 20 is not fully rotated into the storage position, the abutting unit 42 of one supporting set 40 and the abutting portion 43 of one supporting set 40 will not simultaneously respectively abut against the abutting member 24 of one corresponding abutting plate 23 of the guider frame 20 and the abutting body 62 of one corresponding control link 60. When the guider frame 20 is fully rotated into the storage position, the abutting unit 42 of one supporting set 40 and the abutting portion 43 of one supporting set 40 must simultaneously respectively abut against the abutting member 24 of one corresponding abutting plate 23 of the guider frame 20 and the abutting body 62 of one corresponding control link 60.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 11, when the folding operation is finished and the guider frame 20 is rotated into the storage position, the abutting relation (hereinafter referred to as the “first abutting relation”) between the abutting unit 42 of one supporting set 40 and the abutting member 24 of one corresponding abutting plate 23 of the guider frame 20 prevents the rear end of one supporting set 40 from further upwardly sliding away from the front end of one corresponding track member 21, and prevents one corresponding control link 60 from moving toward the main device 10; simultaneously, the first abutting relation also prevents the front end of one supporting set 40 from being rotated along the circular path T1 in the first direction, so that the two crank units 30 are further prevented from being rotated along the circular path T1 in the first direction. In the meanwhile, the abutting relation (hereinafter referred to as the “second abutting relation”) between the abutting portion 43 of one supporting set 40 and the abutting body 62 of one corresponding control link 60 prevents the rear end of one supporting set 40 from being rotated toward the rear end of one corresponding control link 60 via the fifth pivot axis A5, so that the two crank units 30 are further prevented from being rotated along the circular path T1 in the second direction.

FIGS. 10-1 through 10-3 are simple illustrations for showing how the two crank units 30 are prevented from being rotated along the circular path in the first direction or the second direction, wherein, the circular path T1, the arc path T2 and the first angle θ are redefined as an imaginative circular path T1′, an imaginative arc path T2′ and an imaginative first angle θ′. FIG. 10-1 is simplified from FIG. 9 (the components are illustrated simply). FIGS. 10-2 and 10-3 simulate an imaginary condition that the first abutting relation and the second abutting relation are both nonexistent, so as to highlight the significance of the abutting relations. When the imaginary embodiment is folded, the reciprocating path T3 is changed into a vertical path T3′.

Referring to FIGS. 10-1 and 10-2, when the imaginary embodiment is folded (as shown in FIG. 10-1), because the first abutting relation is nonexistent, the rear end P2 of one supporting set 40 is upwardly slidable on one corresponding track member 21 along the vertical path T3′, so that the two crank units 30 are rotatable along the circular path T1′ in the first direction (wherein a pivot site P1 is defined between one crank unit 30 and one corresponding supporting set 40). If the two crank units 30 are unexpectedly rotated along the circular path T1′ in the first direction (as shown in FIG. 10-2), the rear end P2 of one supporting set 40 is upwardly slid on one corresponding track member 21 along the vertical path T3′. Referring to FIGS. 10-1 and 10-3, when the imaginary embodiment is folded (as shown in FIG. 10-1), because the second abutting relation is nonexistent, the rear end P2 of one supporting set 40 is rotatable toward the rear end of one corresponding control link 60 via the fifth pivot axis A5, so that the two crank units 30 are rotatable along the circular path T1′ in the second direction. If the two crank units 30 are unexpectedly rotated along the circular path T1′ in the second direction (as shown in FIG. 10-3), the rear end P2 of one supporting set 40 is rotated toward the rear end of one corresponding control link 60, so that the first angle θ′ is reduced. Specially, if any of the crank units 30, the supporting sets 40, the swing links 50 and the control links 60 is operated, the others would be operated with the operation; for example, if the two crank units 30 are rotated, each supporting set 40, swing link 50 and control link 60 would be moved with the rotation, or if one of the supporting sets 40, swing links 50 and control links 60 is moved, the others would be moved and the two crank units 30 would be rotated with the motion. Therefore, if the first abutting relation and the second abutting relation are both nonexistent (such as the prior art), the two crank units 30 are unexpectedly rotatable and each supporting set 40, swing link 50 and control link 60 are unexpectedly movable even if the imaginary embodiment is folded.

In the preferred embodiment, referring to FIG. 9, if an external force is provided on the two crank units 30 so as to rotate the two crank units 30 in the first direction, the first abutting relation would prevent the two crank units 30 from rotating in the first direction. If the external force is provided on the two crank units 30 so as to rotate the two crank units 30 in the second direction, the second abutting relation would prevent the two crank units 30 from rotating in the second direction. Therefore, because of the first abutting relation and the second abutting relation, each of the crank units 30, the supporting sets 40, the swing links 50 and the control links 60 is incapable of operating if the preferred embodiment is folded.

Furthermore, although the first abutting relation is defined by the abutting unit 42 of one supporting set 40 and the abutting member 24 of one corresponding abutting plate 23 of the guider frame 20, and the second abutting relation is defined by the abutting portion 43 of one supporting set 40 and the abutting body 62 of one corresponding control link 60 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the technical features shouldn't limit the present invention; in other words, the first abutting relation or the second abutting relation of the present invention might be defined by two components selected from the group consisting of the guider frame, one crank unit, one corresponding supporting set, one corresponding swing link and one corresponding control link. Specially, the two components which define the first abutting relation or the second abutting relation are movable relative to each other or rotatable relative to each other under the present invention.

As above description, another embodiment of the present invention is described as follows (not shown). There are many similarities between the preferred embodiment and another embodiment, so generally speaking, only the difference between the preferred embodiment and another embodiment is further described. Two abutting components are respectively assembled at the bottom end of each swing link and the front end of each corresponding control link for replacing the abutting body and the abutting portion. A second angle θ2 (or θ2′) is defined between the bottom end of each swing link 50 and the front end of each corresponding control link 60 (this feature of another embodiment can be illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 12 of the preferred embodiment), so that the fourth pivot axis A4 passes through an apex of the second angle θ2. Referring to FIGS. 7-1 through 7-4, when each control link 60 and each corresponding swing link 50 are rotated back and forth relative to each other via the fourth pivot axis A4, the second angle θ2 is enlarged and reduced repeatedly between a maximum degree and a minimum degree. When another embodiment is folded, the current degree of the second angle θ2 at one side of another embodiment is more than the current degree of the second angle θ2′ at another side of another embodiment (as shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 of the preferred embodiment), wherein the current degree of the second angle θ2′ is less than said minimum degree. When another embodiment is folded, the two abutting components abut against each other at another side of another embodiment (not shown), so that this abutting relation prevents the two crank units 30 from being unexpectedly rotated in the second direction.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention has several advantages as following.

First, when the folding operation of the elliptical exercise apparatus of the present invention is finished, each of the crank units 30, the supporting sets 40, the swing links 50 and the control links 60 is automatically locked by the abutting relations; in other words, the user does not need to further lock each of said components after the folding operation, so that it is convenient for the user to fold the present invention. In contrast, when the unfolding operation of the elliptical exercise apparatus of the present invention is beginning, each of said components is automatically unlocked because the abutting relations disappears; in other words, the user does not need to unlock each of said components before the unfolding operation, so that it is convenient for the user to unfold the present invention. In addition, the present invention does not need any lock structure for locking said components after finishing the folding operation, so that the manufacture of the present invention is cost effective.

Second, when the preferred embodiment of the present invention is folded, the two swing links 50, especially the two handles 51 thereof, are mirror images of each other, so that the preferred embodiment is symmetrical. This has the preferred embodiment of the present invention look neat. In addition, this also has the user comfortable when the user moves the preferred embodiment which is folded, because the preferred embodiment is symmetrical.

Third, because the abutting body 62 is made of the elastic material, the abutting body 62 is prevented form being damaged, when the user folds the preferred embodiment. In addition, the second abutting relation would be more stable.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An elliptical exercise apparatus comprising: a main device; a guider frame rotatably connected to the main device via a first pivot which defines a first transverse pivot axis, the guider frame being rotatable relative to the ground and the main device, the guider frame positioned in the usable position when the guider frame is rotated to the ground, the guider frame rotated into the storage position when the guider frame is rotated to the main device, the guider frame having two track members respectively assembled at a right side and a left side thereof, each track member having a front end and a rear end; two crank units respectively rotatably connected to the main device, the two crank units being rotatable in a first direction or a second direction; two supporting sets each having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the first portion of each supporting set rotatably connected to each corresponding crank unit, the first portion of each supporting set being rotatable along a circular path with a rotation of each corresponding crank unit, the second portion of each supporting set slidably mounted on each corresponding track member; two swing links respectively pivotally connected to the main device; and two control links each having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the first portion of each control link rotatably connected to each corresponding swing link, the second portion of each control link configured to support the user's corresponding foot, the third portion of each control link rotatably connected to the third portion of each corresponding supporting set; wherein, when the guider frame is rotated into the storage position, the second portion of one of the supporting sets abuts against the guider frame for defining a first abutting relation, the first abutting relation preventing the second portion of one of the supporting sets from further sliding upwardly and preventing the first portion of one of the supporting sets from being rotated along the circular path in the first direction and a first further abutting component selected from the group consisting of the crank units, the supporting sets, the swing links and the control links abuts against a second further abutting component selected from the group at an abutting portion for defining a second abutting relation, the second abutting relation preventing the first portion of one of the supporting sets from being rotated along the circular path in the second direction.
 2. The elliptical exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the guider frame is positioned in the usable position, the first further abutting component doesn't abut against the second further abutting component.
 3. The elliptical exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the abutting portion is made of an elastic material.
 4. The elliptical exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein a minimum angle is defined between the first further abutting component and the second further abutting component when the guider frame is positioned in the usable position and the two crank units both rotate repeatedly and when the guider frame is rotated into the storage position, an angle defined between the first further abutting component and the second further abutting component is smaller than the minimum angle.
 5. The elliptical exercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first further abutting component is one of the control links and the second further abutting component is one of the supporting sets.
 6. The elliptical exercise apparatus of claim 5, each of the control links further comprising an abutting body respectively abutting against the abutting portion positioned at one of the supporting sets when the guider frame is rotated into the storage position.
 7. An elliptical exercise apparatus comprising: a main device; a guider frame rotatably connected to the main device via a first pivot which defines a first transverse pivot axis, the guider frame being rotatable relative to the ground and the main device, the guider frame configured to be rotated down into a substantially horizontal useable position when the exercise apparatus is in use, the guider frame configured to be rotatable up into a storage position when the exercise apparatus is stored, the guider frame having two track members respectively assembled at a right side and a left side thereof, each track member having a front end and a rear end; two crank units respectively rotatably connected to the main device, the two crank units being rotatable in a first direction or a second direction; two supporting sets each having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the first portion of each supporting set rotatably connected to each corresponding crank unit, the second portion of each supporting set slidably mounted on each corresponding track member; two swing links respectively pivotably connected to the main device; and two control links each having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the first portion of each control link rotatably connected to each corresponding swing link, the second portion of each control link configured to support the user's corresponding foot, the third portion of each control link rotatably connected to the third portion of each corresponding supporting set; wherein, when the guider frame is rotated into the storage position, a first abutting relation prevents the two crank units from being rotated in the first direction; a second abutting relation prevents the two crank units from being rotated in the second direction. 